This ultra-femme Mattel-inspired design trend has serious staying power, but it’s really having its moment thanks to the new upcoming Barbie movie starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Pinks of every shade, from scorching hot to subdued soft rose are layered in interesting textures—think super shiny vinyl, soft faux furs and luxurious velvet. It all comes together for the ultimate dreamy monochromatic look that’s become the “it” design trend of summer 2022.

Barbie Beginnings
As the new implies, this style originates from the Mattel doll by the same name. Barbie has been around since 1959, and her signature hot pink box has become a staple in toy aisles since. The Barbie aesthetic has a lasting stay, inspiring everything from style to interiors.

The Original Dreamhouse
Today’s Barbiecore trend leans heavily on hot pink, so you might be surprised to find out that the original Barbie Dream House was actually a white and yellow mid-century modern home that was in line with the design trends in the early 60s. The Mattel website has recreations of the original 1962 design.
See More: What is a Midcentury Modern House?

A New Movie
While the all-pink never seems to truly go out of style and is a constant mark of an It Girl (think Clueless in the ‘90s, Legally Blonde in the 2000s, Mean Girls in the 2010s and so on), the recent resurgence can be linked to the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Early pictures of the film have fans hyped for the stunning visuals and eye-popping fashion.

Barbie Pink
If you’re looking to really lean into the Barbiecore design trend, it turns out there actually is an exact shade of Barbie pink. The Pantone colour Barbie Pink has the hex code #e0218a if you’re looking to perfectly colour match your paint to the classic Mattel doll.

Celebs Who Adopt Barbiecore
Summer 2022 has just about every celebrity popping up in hot Barbie pink fashions, from Anne Hathaway to Lizzo. While this hot pink trend may be the latest fashion moment, it’s more of a lifestyle for some celebs like long-standing Barbie girl Paris Hilton.

Monochromatic Moments
Go full Malibu Barbie with your interior design by choosing a bright hot pink and electric lime green colour palette and feminine patterns throughout. Add humour and whimsy with plastic elements like a shiny lamp or clear plastic table. Life in plastic really is fantastic!

Bring a Pop of Pink Into Your Everyday
You don’t have to live on the beach in Malibu or have a pink-hued pool to embrace this trending moment. Try adding bright pops of pink to your home, like this bright pink two-seater couch (see more of our favourite super bright living room couches). It’s the perfect shade of lipstick pink and makes a bold statement whether the rest of your décor is pretty and pink or more subdued and neutral.
Etta Velvet Armless Loveseat, Wayfair, $360.

Dine Like a Doll
Dine in style by bringing the Barbiecore aesthetic to your kitchen and dining room. You can find pink kitchen and dining accessories from a retro pink Smeg fridge to budget-friendly IKEA cookware.
Fargklar Plate and Bowl Set, IKEA, $16

Life is a Catwalk
The Barbiecore aesthetic doesn’t need to be so obvious! You can incorporate other design elements and patterns you love to give a fun twist to the dollhouse design trend that’s totally unique to you. Try mixing different shades of pink with animal prints and a pop of complementary green for a look that gives Barbie Goes on a Jungle Safari.
Marcello Velho Catwalk Petite Accent Chair, Anthropologie, $748.

Out-of-the-Box Exteriors
For the die-hard Barbie fans that are committed to the pink aesthetic (like this influencer who even dyed her pool water pink), take the ultimate plunge into Barbiecore with a painted exterior. This bright pink and purple Santa Monica house, known as the Barbie Beach House, is a popular destination for colour lovers on social media.
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